Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President Akufo-Addo, has presented Aviator Wings or Air Crew Badges and Awards to 12 newly trained pilots at the Ghana Air Force Base during the 2024 Wings Parade.The honoured pilots, who completed the requisite training, include Flt. Lt. Christopher Yaw Asuka, Flt. Lt. Wisdom Seshie Deku, Flt. Lt. Akrashie Appoe, Fg Offr. Papa Kojo Ayensu Abrokwa, Fg Offr. Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Fg Offr.

0

Isaac Tuobewere Tanle. The rest are Flt. Lt. Abdul-Baasit Salifu, Flt. Lt. Michael Adjei-Banin, Flt. Lt. Obil Paa Kwesi Grant, Fg Offr. Selase Akotia, Fg Offr. David Afo-Kangah, and Fg Offr. Julius Etroo.Speaking as the reviewing officer, President Akufo-Addo praised the new Wing Officers for their perseverance and excellence, emphasizing the Ghana Air Force's critical role in safeguarding the nation and contributing to its development.

1

“You carry with you the hopes and expectations of a grateful nation. The path ahead will not be without its challenges, but I am confident that you will rise to the occasion with courage, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to our great Republic,” he said.

2

Acknowledging their achievement as a testament to their technical prowess and resilience, the President urged the officers to uphold the Ghana Air Force as "an enduring symbol of strength, resilience, and progress."President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed the government's dedication to modernizing and retooling the Ghana Armed Forces, highlighting investments in enhancing the Ghana Air Force's operational capacity.<img

3

src="

alt="" class="wp-image-730572"/>“The refurbishment of our fleet, coupled with the planned procurement of advanced fighter aircraft, represents an impressive stride toward realizing the vision of a ‘Smart Air Force’—an Air Force poised to defend our territorial airspace with unmatched capability, while contributing meaningfully to national

4

development,” he noted.He also lauded the Air Force’s role beyond military operations, emphasizing its contributions to disaster relief, search-and-rescue missions, and supporting critical national infrastructure. He commended their collaborations with entities such as the Volta River Authority and Ghana Gas, as well as their role in facilitating electoral processes during national elections.Among the honorees, Flt. Lt.

5

Christopher Yaw Asuka received the Speed Bird Trophy for attaining the highest standard in flying and airmanship, as well as the JE Barnor Award for outstanding rotary wing aircraft flying skills. Flt. Lt. Abdul-Baasit Salifu was presented with the JA Bruce Award for excellence in fixed-wing aircraft flying skills.

6